Have you been considering truck driving as a career option? Are you wondering what the typical career path for truck drivers might be?
While drivers usually start out as trainees, the industry offers a vast array of options expanding across different vehicles, various employers, and diverse routes.
Truck drivers can also switch to non-driving trucker careers, and work in transportation offices or warehouse settings.
What Options Do I Have in a Truck Driving Career?
When looking into the options you may have as a truck driver, you should think about what type of truck you’d like to drive, what type of shipments you’d like to haul, and what type of route options you prefer.There are plenty of route options to choose from, including:
- Local routes. These routes may be perfect for drivers with families, because they involve in-state drives and allow drivers to be home most nights.
- Regional routes. These drives cross from state to state and stay within 1,000 miles from the driver’s home. They typically allow drivers to be on the road for 7-10 days at a time.
- Over-the-road (OTR)/long haul routes. Irregular routes like these allow drivers to experience national travel and haul heavy loads.
- Dedicated driving. With dedicated driving comes predictable home time and varied routes. Drivers taking these routes may be able to schedule their job around their personal time.
What Is Life on the Road Like?
Typically, truckers may work around 70 hours a week, so self-care measures are pertinent. To avoid exhaustion, drivers may sleep at night with their body’s natural timing, instead of during the day.It’s important for truck drivers to take vacations and time off to rejuvenate their systems. Being alert can help drivers avoid accidents and other harmful incidents.Experienced drivers set schedules for themselves when planning their drives, making note of important service shops, gas stations, and rest stops. Safe drivers should also pay attention to weather reports for locations along their routes.If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to be a truck driver, take a look at “4 Reasons to Consider Truck Driving in 2018.”
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How Do I Get a CDL License?
Getting a CDL license is just the first step in beginning a truck driving career. After you complete your training course and state requirements to earn your CDL, you can begin exploring employers, routes, and hours.
To learn more, read “How Much Training Does It Take to Become a Truck Driver?“
Is truck driving right for you? Read up on the Delta Tech CDL Training Course and the Delta Tech Professional Truck Driving Program to learn more about education for the trucking industry.
To learn how to enroll, contact the Delta Tech Admissions Team.
